New home for Caring and Sharing in Rochdale town centre

Deputy Mayor Councillor Mike Holly (far right) presents a cheque from the National Lottery Community Fund to Nicky Iginla (right), CEO and founder of Caring and Sharing Rochdale

Caring and Sharing Rochdale has opened a new community hub and offices on Yorkshire Street, Rochdale.

The group was originally founded in Rochdale in 2017 by Nicky Iginla, and mainly assists refugees and asylum seekers, although it also supports the wider community where needed. It was also founded to support and empower the BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) communities.

The new hub at 78 Yorkshire Street was officially opened on 28 February by the Deputy Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Mike Holly, with a number of local dignitaries in attendance.

Councillor Holly opened the day with a very supportive and championing speech as he shared his admiration for Nicky and the Caring and Sharing team. This was followed by a number of other people sharing about their support and memories of Nicky and Caring and Sharing.

Nicky also gave a speech about the background of Caring and Sharing, saying: “I used to be a church minister where I would help everyone in need who would come to me.

“One day I thought to myself, ‘why don’t I do this for the wider community?’ and so that is what I started to do.”

The deputy mayor officially opened the building after the speeches, before a buffet was enjoyed.

During the opening, Councillor Holly also presented a cheque from the National Lottery to Nicky. The £189,577 funds will be used for restoring the building, amongst other things.

Nicky added: “The opening was a very special day for all those involved and we would like to thank everyone for coming, you are in our hearts and we will remember this day for a long time.

“Now the work begins as everyone now knows we are there it will be all hands on deck to meet the needs of refugees and asylum seekers and others who come into the hub who need our assistance.”

The non-profit will run weekly refugee and asylum seeker drop-in sessions which are held on Thursday from 11am - 2pm. These sessions will provide free hot food and a safe space to meet with others in a similar position.